Best Day Trips from Paris by Train – Weekend Getaways from Paris

If you are in Paris (lucky you), plan some amazing day trips from Paris by train, in addition to the Paris city tour. Whether you choose short escapes or go for long weekend getaways from Paris, each tour will get you to know more about France, showing you that the beauty here isn’t limited to Paris only. With perfect planning, a good pair of walking shoes, and a sense of curiosity, the places near Paris to visit by train become not just destinations, but memories you’ll carry long after you’re back on Parisian streets.

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Day Trips from Paris by Train – Weekend Getaways from Paris – Things To Do Near Paris

Explore boulevards for baroque palaces, Monet’s lily ponds, Gothic cathedrals, and champagne cellars — by train. This travel blog guide gives you detailed information on most famous weekend breaks from Paris (and a few two-day options if you want overnight tours), with why to visit, how to reach each place from Paris, travel times and distances, what to do, places to stay for overnight, tours and attractions to book, and useful tips so you get the most out of every weekend getaways from Paris.

Palace of Versailles — the crown jewel of day trips

If France had a show-off capital for royal excess, Versailles would be it — gardens as stagecraft, Hall of Mirrors for maximum drama, intimate Queen’s Hamlet for someone who liked pastoral roleplay. It’s the easiest, most classic day trip from Paris: dense with history, magnificent for photos, and endlessly walkable.

Distance & travel time: Versailles is very close to Paris — roughly 17–24 km depending on where you start; train journeys take about 30–60 minutes depending on route (RER C, SNCF from Montparnasse or Saint-Lazare). The Palace’s visitor guidance recommends RER C to Versailles Château–Rive Gauche, which is about a 10-minute walk to the Palace.

How to reach: From central Paris: take the RER C (direction Versailles Château–Rive Gauche) or an SNCF train from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles-Chantiers. RER C drops you closest to the main palace entrance.

Things to do

• Tour the Palace (state apartments, Hall of Mirrors): a lesson in 17th–18th century politics, art, and how architecture serves power.
• Walk the Gardens: they’re an artwork of geometry — if you like landscapes and fountains, skip the palace line and wander the grounds early.
• See the Trianon and Queen’s Hamlet: intimate and pastoral; they show a softer, private side of royal life.
• Rent a rowboat on the Grand Canal in summer — simple, classic, and oddly romantic.

Tours & attractions to book: Palace tickets with timed entry (skip-the-line options) and guided tours focusing on Versailles architecture or Marie-Antoinette are popular. Guided evening fountain shows are spectacular in high season.

Pro tips:

• Arrive early (Palace opens early) or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes — the estate is enormous.
• If the French museum fatigue hits, schedule a coffee in Versailles town after your visit.

Overnight (if staying): If you want to linger, look for hotels like Hôtel Le Versailles or Mercure Versailles Château — both are well located and friendly for walkers.

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Giverny – Monet’s house — Monet’s garden, where the canvas comes alive

Walk into the impressionist painting: the lily pond with its Japanese bridge, the riotous Clos Normand flower garden, and Monet’s painted house. For anyone who loves art, light, and gardens, Giverny is a pilgrimage.

Distance & travel time: Giverny (technically the stop is Vernon-Giverny) is roughly 75–80 km northwest of Paris. Fast regional trains from Paris Saint-Lazare to Vernon take about 45–55 minutes; add a short bus or shuttle from Vernon station to the village and gardens — total door-to-door roughly 1.5 hours.

How to reach: Trains depart from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny. From Vernon, walk or take the local shuttle/bus (seasonal and timed to train arrivals) to Claude Monet’s house and gardens.

Things to do

• Monet’s House & Gardens: The water garden (with lily pond and bridge) and the flower garden feel like walking inside Monet’s sketches. Early morning light is sublime for photos; mid-morning is the busiest time.
• Musée des Impressionnismes: A short stroll from Monet’s house, great for context and rotating exhibitions.
• Saunter Vernon’s old town for a quiet café lunch — it’s less touristy and charming.

Tours & attractions to book: Small-group guided tours from Paris that include return transport and entrance to Monet’s house are convenient; otherwise, buy garden tickets in advance (peak season sells out). Many day-trip operators include Giverny as a half- or full-day tour.

Pro tips:

• Monet’s gardens are seasonal — spring and early summer are best for color; water lilies are typically at peak in late spring/summer.
• Book Monet’s house tickets ahead; arrive early.
• Village amenities are limited — pack snacks or plan a café lunch in Vernon.

Overnight: If you want to explore Normandy, stay in Vernon (mid-budget options like Hotel Le Relais Monet) or choose a B&B in nearby Les Andelys for riverside views.

(Note: Giverny can be very crowded in peak season; aim for weekdays or early mornings.)

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Reims — pop a cork in Champagne country.

Reims is the capital of Champagne — elegant cathedrals, Roman remains, and the cellars of great Champagne houses beneath the city. It’s culture and bubbles in one easy package.

Distance & travel time: Reims sits about 140–145 km northeast of Paris. High-speed regional and TGV trains from Paris (Gare de l’Est) reach Reims in roughly 45–60 minutes — that means you can be tasting Champagne the same day you leave Paris.

How to reach: Catch a train from Gare de l’Est (or some TGVs from Gare de Lyon, depending on schedules) to Reims. Trains are frequent; book ahead for the best price.

Things to do

• Reims Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Reims): coronation church of French kings — a Gothic masterwork.
• Champagne House Tours: Visit houses like Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, or Pommery for cellar tours and tastings. The chalk cellars are UNESCO-worthy, famously cool, and atmospheric.
• Musée des Beaux-Arts and local markets: Great for a slower cultural bite between tastings. 

Tours & attractions to book: Champagne house cellar tours often require advance booking; many include tastings and tours of underground cellars. There are also half-day guided tours from Paris if you prefer not to fuss with schedules.

Pro tips:

• If you plan multiple tastings, limit to 2–3 houses and stagger with non-drinking activities (cathedral, lunch).
• Some champagne houses have dress codes — smart casual is safe.
• Consider an organized tour if you want transport included, so you can taste without worrying about getting back.

Overnight: If you want to sleep over, choose a comfortable mid-range option like Best Western Premier or Hotel Azur — both offer handy access to the city center.

Chartres — an underrated Gothic masterclass

Chartres’ cathedral is one of Europe’s best-preserved Gothic cathedrals, famed for its stained glass and surprisingly intact medieval architecture. The town itself is compact and charming — ideal for a relaxed, culture-rich day trip.

Distance & travel time: Chartres lies roughly 75–90 km southwest of Paris (depending on the starting point). Trains from Paris (Gare Montparnasse or Gare d’Austerlitz, depending on the service) take about 1–1.5 hours.

How to reach: Take a TER or intercity train from Paris Montparnasse or Austerlitz to Chartres. From the station, it’s a short walk to the cathedral and the old town.

Things to do

• Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres: its stained glass (12th–13th century) is a must-see; the labyrinth and teaching windows offer a medieval narrative in glass.
• Old Town stroll: half-timbered houses, local bakeries, and quiet squares make for a pleasant lunch stop.
• Night illuminations (if your schedule allows): the cathedral is often spectacularly lit at night in summer — a moving experience.

Tours & attractions to book: Guided tours of the cathedral or audio guides for the stained-glass narratives work well. If you’re keen on medieval architecture, local expert-led tours add a lot of context.

Pro tips:

• The inside of the cathedral can be reflective — take a moment to sit and watch the light through the windows.
• Weekdays are quieter; Saturdays (market day) are lively and delicious.

Overnight: Chartres has comfortable mid-range hotels like Hotel Jehan de Beauce or Ibis Chartres Centre if you want to linger into the evening photos of the cathedral lit up.

Rouen — half-timbered streets and Norman charm

Rouen blends history (Joan of Arc), stunning Gothic architecture, and a medieval heart that feels straight out of a storybook. It’s lively, photo-friendly, and a great cultural day trip.

Distance & travel time: Rouen is about 110–140 km northwest of Paris; trains from Gare Saint-Lazare take around 1–1.5 hours depending on the service.

How to reach: Regular SNCF services from Paris Saint-Lazare reach Rouen-Rive-Droite. Once in town, everything is comfortably walkable.

Things to do

• Rouen Cathedral: Look up — the façade shifts under different light; Monet painted it many times.
• Place du Vieux-Marché: where Joan of Arc was executed — a small memorial and a lively market area for food.
• Old town & Gros-Horloge: narrow streets, half-timbered houses, and great cafés for people-watching.
• Museums: Fine arts and archaeological museums for slow cultural afternoons.

Tours & attractions to book: Join a walking tour focused on medieval Rouen or on Joan of Arc; food tours are great for sampling Norman specialties (camembert, cider, apple desserts).

Pro tips:

• Rouen’s lanes can be steep and cobbled — wear shoes you like.
• If you love Monet, check the Musée des Beaux-Arts for exhibitions that may highlight Impressionism.

Overnight: Mid-range hotels such as Best Western Plus Hotel de Dieppe or Hôtel Mercure Rouen Centre Cathedrale make convenient bases.

Château de Chambord — Loire châteaux for a grand day out (longer day)

For fairytale French castles and dramatic Renaissance architecture, the Loire Valley is irresistible. Chambord is the emblem — a massive, playful castle with double helix stairs and a skyline of chimneys.

Distance & travel time: The Loire is farther out (Chambord lies roughly 180–200 km from Paris). A day trip is possible with an early train to Blois or onsite tour transfers, but many travelers prefer an overnight to make the most of the region. Travel time by train to Blois/Orléans is about 1.5–2 hours, then local transport or a tour to the château.

How to reach: TGV/Intercity to Tours, Blois, or Orléans, then regional transport or a guided transfer to Chambord. Alternatively, organized day tours from Paris offer direct coach transfers, skipping the hassle of connections.

Things to do

• Chambord castle tour: architecture and roofline views that feel theatrical.
• Bike the estate: Chambord’s grounds are huge; renting bikes is a memorable way to experience them.
• Pair with Blois or Amboise: charming towns with their own royal histories.

Tours & attractions to book: Guided full-day Loire Valley tours that include multiple châteaux are popular, smooth, and efficient for a day from Paris.

Pro tips:

• A very early start is essential for a same-day return.
• Consider staying overnight in Tours or Amboise to enjoy the region at a relaxed pace.

Overnight: Mid-budget stays in Tours (e.g., Hôtel Lutécia or Mercure Tours Centre) give you charming evening options.

Fontainebleau — forest walks and royal Palace without the Versailles crush

Fontainebleau combines one of France’s grand royal palaces with an enormous forest that’s a magnet for walkers and rock climbers (bouldering). It’s less touristy than Versailles but every bit as historically resonant.

Distance & travel time: Fontainebleau is about 55–70 km southeast of Paris. Trains from Gare de Lyon take roughly 40–60 minutes to Fontainebleau-Avon, then a short bus/taxi to the château and forest. (It’s a perfect quick escape.)

How to reach: From Paris Gare de Lyon, take a Transilien train to Fontainebleau-Avon; local buses or a 10–15 minute taxi get you to the château.

Things to do

• Château de Fontainebleau: royal apartments spanning centuries; less crowded, more intimate.
• Forest trails & bouldering (les rochers): fantastic for a nature break right outside Paris.
• Old town and cafés: pleasant for lunch and people-watching.

Tours & attractions to book: Palace guided visits and forest nature walks or guided climbing introductions are available.

Pro tips:

• For forest walks, bring comfortable shoes and water.
• Combine a palace and a forest for a balanced day of culture and fresh air.

Overnight: Charming guesthouses (chambres d’hôtes) and mid-budget hotels in Fontainebleau let you wake to forest mist — try Hôtel Mercure or smaller local B&Bs.

Amiens — Gothic wonder and quiet riverside charm

Amiens’ cathedral is jaw-dropping, and the floating gardens (hortillonnages) on the Somme are a delight. The city has a mellow vibe and an underrated foodie scene.

Distance & travel time: Amiens is about 120 km north of Paris and reachable by train (Gare du Nord area connections) in around 1–1.5 hours.

How to reach: Trains depart from Paris Gare du Nord (or via connections) to Amiens. From the station, the city center and the cathedral are within walking distance.

Things to do

• Amiens Cathedral: one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in France.
• Hortillonnages boat trip: guided punts through marsh gardens are peaceful and photogenic.
• Local markets: great for regional specialties.

Overnight: Hotel Mercure Amiens Cathedrale or similar mid-budget spots are comfortable and central.

Disneyland Paris — playful, convenient, and unmistakable

Not just for kids — Disneyland Paris is an easy escape for theme-park energy, immersive rides, and staged nostalgia. Crucially, it’s one of the simplest day trips by train.

Distance & travel time: Disneyland Paris is in Marne-la-Vallée about 32 km east of Paris; RER A trains from central Paris take about 35–45 minutes straight to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy station, which is adjacent to the parks.

How to reach: RER A direct from central Paris.

Things to do

• Full day of rides, parades, and Disney characters — perfect if you want an energetic, playful break from museums.
• Evening Illuminations: the fireworks show is a real crowd-pleaser if you stay late.

Tours & attractions to book: Book park tickets in advance (peak days sell out). Fast passes and dinner reservations for table-service restaurants are recommended.

Overnight: If you want to stay, consider official Disney hotels or mid-range hotels in Serris/Val d’Europe, which keep you near the parks and shopping.

Bruges/Brussels — international day trips by train (just beyond France)

If you’re up for a longer ride, international day trips are possible by high-speed rail:

• Brussels: ~1h 20–90 min by Thalys/Eurostar from Paris — historic Grand Place, Belgian chocolate, and museums.
• Bruges: longer but feasible (train via Brussels ~2.5 hours total) for canals and medieval streets.

These are sensational weekend getaways from Paris if you love rail travel and want to cross a border for the day. Book Eurostar/Thalys in advance for the best fares.

Practical packing, planning Day trips from Paris by Train

1. Start early, finish late — trains are the best option to maximize daylight. If you must choose, a later return train allows a fuller day.
2. Buy ahead for popular sites — Versailles, Monet’s Giverny, and champagne houses often require advance booking during high season.
3. Local transport is part of the plan — many day trips still require a short shuttle, bus, or taxi from a regional station (Giverny, Chambord, some Loire châteaux).
4. One or two “big wants” per day — a palace plus a museum, or a cathedral plus a boat ride; packing too much makes the day feel rushed.
5. Food & lunch — towns like Rouen and Reims have phenomenal markets and bistros; so, apart from tourist sites, enjoy a proper local lunch to experience local life.
6. Weather & footwear — variable in shoulder seasons; comfortable shoes are essential (cobblestones, gardens, and long palace corridors).
7. Apps & timetable checks — SNCF Connect and Trainline are reliable for train times; check return schedules the night before.

Suggested 2-day mini itineraries (if you want for Overnight Tour)

• Paris → Giverny + Vernon → Overnight in Rouen: Monet, then head to Rouen in the late afternoon for an evening in a half-timbered historic town.
• Paris → Loire Valley (Chambord & Amboise): Long day but magical; better as an overnight so you can enjoy a château at leisure.
• Paris → Reims (Champagne) + Epernay (avenue de Champagne): taste more houses, sleep in Reims, and take a slow morning before returning to Paris.

Booking & tour recommendations (how to choose weekend breaks from Paris)

• If you want to do DIY TOURS: use SNCF Connect or TheTrainline for tickets, then book site-specific tickets (Versailles, Monet’s house, champagne houses) directly on official sites.
• If you want a hassle-free tour, book small-group day tours from Paris that include train or coach transfers and entrance fees—they’re pricier but smooth.
• For wine/champagne tastings, book directly with the house for the best cellar experiences; small producers may offer more customized (and cheaper) tastings.

Safety, accessibility & traveler tips – Things to do near Paris

• Accessibility varies: Versailles and major cathedrals provide accessibility information on their official websites. Most major train stations have elevators, but always check in advance if mobility is a concern.
• Keep pickpockets in mind in busy stations and tourist hotspots — a simple neck wallet or zipped bag makes life easier.
• Language: English is widely spoken at major tourist sites, but learning a few French phrases opens doors — “bonjour,” “s’il vous plaît,” “merci.”

Quick travel planning— trains, tickets, and a few tips for places near Paris to visit by Train

Trains in and around Paris are operated by SNCF, regional services (TER), and the RER network within Île-de-France.

• For nearby suburbs and iconic day trips (Versailles, Fontainebleau, Disneyland), the RER or local SNCF trains are often the fastest and cheapest options.
• For medium-distance regional cities (Reims, Rouen, Chartres, Giverny/Vernon), you’ll use TER or Intercités services that depart from Parisian stations such as Gare Saint-Lazare, Gare Montparnasse, or Gare de l’Est.
• Buy tickets in advance for TGV/long-distance routes to save money; for short TER rides, you can usually buy them on the day of. Peak season (spring–autumn) means early trains and early online reservations for Monet’s house and Versailles.
• For precise timetables, use SNCF Connect or TheTrainline.

Useful tips for Train Travel from Paris

• Bring a printed copy or screenshot of your ticket — some regional services still check paper/QR codes at station gates.
• For day trips starting early, confirm the first and last return trains the night before — there are fewer evening services on some routes.
• A small rolling bag or daypack is ideal (no need to haul a big suitcase on and off trains).
• If you’re using a rail pass, check seat reservation requirements on TGV routes.

How to choose your perfect Weekend Getaways from Paris (weekend breaks from Paris)

First check your instincts about what you like the most as there are so many diverse places near Paris: do you want art (Giverny), royalty and gardens (Versailles), bubbles and celebration (Reims), Gothic architecture (Chartres), medieval streets and storytelling (Rouen), or a nature/cultural hybrid (Fontainebleau)? Pick one big “yes” and structure the day around that. Trains from Paris make it easy to visit realistic places near Paris, so your trip can be varied and bold.

Paris will always steal your heart — but part of loving it fully is knowing when you explore nearby places. One of the greatest joys of traveling here is how this city is blessed with palaces, vineyards, medieval towns, quiet gardens, and storybook streets, all well-connected by trains that turn a simple morning ride into a whole new world. These day trips from Paris by train aren’t about rushing through places; they’re about slowing down, admiring over a cathedral façade, clinking champagne glasses in Reims, getting lost among Monet’s flowers, or breathing pine-scented air in Fontainebleau’s forest.

So plan any of these day trips from Paris by train and explore unique places near Paris to visit by train.

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